Otti urges Igbo businesses to shift from traditional trading to manufacturing

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has urged Igbo traders to move beyond conventional retail and invest in manufacturing, technology and digital commerce. Otti made the call in Umuahia during the Igbo Day Lecture and Dinner organised by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. The event focused on the Igbo Charter and development of the region.

The governor was responding to concerns about the growing presence of Chinese traders competing with Igbo entrepreneurs in retail businesses in Lagos. He said the answer was not to remain at the same level of physical trading, but to move into production and online commerce. Otti said his administration was supporting manufacturing in Abia and promoting digital delivery.

He described digital platforms such as Alibaba as examples of the direction in which local businesses should move. He said online commerce would allow Abia entrepreneurs to reach international markets instead of depending solely on conventional shops. The governor also said his government was investing in digital skills for young people.

According to Otti, some Abians trained through the state’s TechRise initiative were already working for global technology companies from Aba. He presented the programme as part of a wider effort to connect local talent with opportunities in the digital economy. The governor also endorsed the theme of unity adopted for the celebration, saying it reflected the importance of cooperation.

He assured the president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo of his administration’s support and said Abia had established a foundation for further development.